Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. July 24, 2011
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and we invite you to fellowship with us and enjoy refreshments served by Patti Varga at our Lemonade Stand on the front lawn of the church following today’s Worship Service.

Order of Worship
PRELUDE
WELCOME, SILENT PRAYER, and PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
VOTUM and GOD’S GREETING

God’s Children’s Approach

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive)
The Lord is great and greatly to be praised!
We have come together today to worship.
What a gift it is to come together as the people of God.
Whatever worries and distractions we have,
we lay them at the feet of Jesus.
We bring ourselves completely before the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
For our Lord is great and greatly to be praised!
Let us worship him together now.
God, we worship you today, for you are great and greatly to be praised
*HYMN OF PRAISE #98 Majesty
INVOCATION
CALL TO CONFESSION
Our Messiah suffered, died, and rose from the dead on the third day so that repentance and forgiveness of sins could be proclaimed in his name to all nations. Because of that sacrifice, we are able to confess our sins without fear.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Holy God, you have provided the true light, the light of salvation through your Son, and yet we keep finding ways to live in darkness . . . [pause for reflection] We trumpet our own accomplishments rather than yours, and we cloak ourselves in our transgressions rather than clothing ourselves in Christ . . . [pause] We shield your light and love from those who have not yet seen you. Free us from the darkness . . . [pause] Merciful Savior, your word provides illumination for our lives - both to guide us and also to convict us - when we have strayed from your path. Help us to live in the light of your glory and freely proclaim the risen Christ . . . [pause] Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Friends, in Jesus Christ we are forgiven! Amen.

God’s Word Proclaimed
INVOCATION AND PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION
SCRIPTURE LESSON Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 (pp. 691-2)
MESSAGE “Discovering the Kingdom of Heaven”
PRAYER OF BLESSING
*HYMN #679 When We All Get to Heaven
God’s Children Dedicate Themselves

PRESENTATION OF OUR TITHES and OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and OFFERTORY PRAYER (Unison)
As we offer our gifts, gracious God, we confess that we often hesitate to give because of our selfish wants. Teach us to see beyond our wants, and to acknowledge our real needs. Turn us around, Lord, and let us give of ourselves and of our bounty, because in you we can. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
BENEDICTORY SOLO Deborah Spaulding, May the good Lord Bless & Keep You
*PASTORAL BLESSING
*RESPONSE – By the Gift of God’s Grace
By the gift of God’s grace may your burdens be light,
and your heart with his love be aglow.
May your spirit be glad, may your soul be at rest,
and may Christ grant you peace as you go. Amen.
POSTLUDE

In the interest of glorifying our Lord through use of the beautiful organ in our sanctuary, Frank Vosburgh has made a very generous donation of $1,200 to pay for the services of an organist on up to 12 separate occasions over the next several months. The Kinderhook Reformed Church Family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude to Frank for this gift. If others would like to follow Frank’s lead in supporting an organ ministry for our Worship services, additional gifts clearly designated for this purpose would be most appreciated.

If you are willing to offer your services to the Lemonade Stand ministry during the month of August, please contact Sally Heimroth, 784-3164.

As we approach the 2012 celebration of Kinderhook Reformed Church’s 300 years in ministry, you are invited to share your personal stories about the church and her journey so they can become part of the 300th-year celebratory book being prepared for publication. Author Geoff Benton will be present in the KRC Fellowship room on Wednesday, August 10, from 6 - 8 p.m., and Sunday, August 14, from 6 -8 p.m., to record your stories, memories, and vignettes. You are encouraged to make every effort to come and participate in one of these sharing sessions.

All are invited to attend a graveside memorial service for Marge Johnson, wife of Earl Johnson, at 3 p.m. this coming Thursday, July 28, at Kinderhook Cemetery. Following the service, family and friends are invited to the church Fellowship Room for a reception. Before retiring to Florida, the Johnsons attended KRC, and Earl served as choir director for a number of years. Their son, Kevin, still resides and works in the Kinderhook area.

Note of Appreciation from Brian and Bea Post
Missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you . . .because of your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now.” Philippians 1:3, 5
Dear Pastor Visser, Barbara Vosburgh, & Kinderhook Reformed Church family,
Brian and I received word through Wycliffe’s donor relations department in Orlando that it has become necessary for the church to make some adjustments in your giving for the current financial year. Brian and I want to thank you for taking the time to let us know of the change and for the gift of your partnership with us in Bible translation ministry for the past 20 years. We value your significant ministry to us and along with us, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to prayer for the Bibleless peoples of the world as we continue our service together. Thank you also for your ongoing financial support at the level God directs. It is our prayer that your needs will also be met, that one day your beautiful organ will again lead in worship, and the costs of maintaining your lovely and historic building will be provided for the joy of your spiritual family and the glory of God. We are humbled by your sacrifice on our behalf. May He who supplies ”seed to the sower and bread for food both supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” (2 Cor. 9)
With heartfelt appreciation, Brian and Bea – Philippians 4:4-7

Christian Ed Ministry is looking for “fill-in” volunteer teachers and helpers for the Vacation Bible School program August 22 - 26, 9 a.m. to noon each day. For additional information about the positive rewards of serving in this ministry and the relatively small time commitment involved, please see Patti Varga. Forms are available on the back table to pre-register children for this year’s exciting program.

~YOUTH GROUP ASSISTANT NEEDED~

Youth Group will be in recess for the remainder of the summer, but Christian Ed is in need of an assistant youth leader, or multiple rotating assistants, for KRC’s youth meetings beginning in the fall. The group will meet every Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30, and Loren Speer, who has been assisting, will no longer be available due to scheduling conflicts. You are encouraged to pray about being a part of this truly rewarding outreach ministry! If you feel led to assist, please speak to Patti Varga.

~ COMMUNITY EVENTS ~

CLOTHING BARN
The North Chatham United Methodist Church’s Clothing Barn, offering good, used clothing at reasonable prices, is open the second and fourth Saturday of each month through September. It will close with the Lord’s Acre Auction on October 15. Donations of good used clothing are always welcome – call 766-3925 for information.

MINI-MARKET AND CHICKEN BARBECUE
Cleaning out your attic or storage unit? Had a garage sale and now have items not sold? Should have had a sale but didn't? The Reformed Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill will be holding its Annual Mini-Market and Chicken Barbecue on Saturday, August 13. If you would like to donate items for the Mini-Market, call 732-7976 or 732-2471 to arrange for drop-off of items.

~NOTE FROM CHURCH FAMILY MINISTRY~

We are getting quite a collection of plates and serving dishes in the kitchen from previous food affairs, and they are taking up valuable space. We will put these in boxes and place them in the vestibule for people to check and see if they belong to them. If not claimed, these items will be donated to charity!

KRC OFFICE, EMAIL,WEBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Fridays, please call or 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• All who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities
• His blessing of a wonderful, caring, Spirit-filled pastor of vision such as Pastor Rudy
• Andrew & Melissa Welcome, who celebrated their first wedding anniversary June 23
• The great news that Patti Varga’s Uncle Ken Scofield is now cancer free – Patti sends a HUGE thank-you to all who prayed, as this healing is truly a miracle!
• The good report that Angie Maycole is home, that her heart has not been affected by the infection she is fighting, and that her condition appears to be somewhat improved
• The encouraging news that Rev. Ron Stockhoff continues to improve following a fall taken several months ago in Florida and the numerous related medical and physical issues that resulted – Ron is walking better (“can make it a couple of times around the block”), and is able to do some driving; Ron is still in need of prayer as he battles a lingering bone infection and faces surgeries on both shoulders in the near future
• Carrington Hessell, whose yearlong tour in Afghanistan is over - Carrington has been reunited with his family in the U.S and is not expected to have to return to Afghanistan - praises and thanks to God for his safe return
• The wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times
•
• Those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy

Remember to Pray for
• Those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday celebration
• Leaders and those attending KRC’s Vacation Bible School, Youth Group, Adult Bible Study; Community Prayer Group; small group ministry
• Our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely
• A speedy end to the violence and unrest in the Middle East
• Our missionaries and our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies
• Families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones, especially those grieving the death of 2-day-old Baby Nevaeh; the Johnson Family as Marge is laid to rest this Thursday in Kinderhook Cemetery; and those grieving the recent death of Dot Emrey
• Those, especially children, suffering natural disaster, abuses of war and violence, exploitation, neglect, family hostility
• Rachael Beaudoin, 25, granddaughter of the Clauses, having a tonsillectomy Tuesday
• Clare, recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease; pray also for Clare's family
• Angie Rivera Maycole, now recovering at home from strep cellulitis and other related health issues – pray for a quick and complete healing and for reassurance for Angie, and pray also for Florence and Julie as they assist in Angie’s recovery
• Paul Zietsman Sr., of South Africa, now home and somewhat improved, but facing many health challenges - pray also for his wife, Minnie, during this trying time, and for Paul Jr. & Anna-Marie Zietsman dealing with news of an ailing father so far away
• Gordie Van Buren, now at to Barnwell – pray for continued healing, strength, and for an uplift in spirits and outlook; visits from his KRC family and friends would be good
• Those dealing with cancer: Emese, sister-in-law of Patti Varga; Ginger; Donna Scalera; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh
• Those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Scott Clinton; Ryan; Ryan (Hacker) Morris; Tammy; Florence Kern; Doris Schmieder; Betty, sister of Sally Heimroth; Annaka; Twin babies of Ashley and Mike; Dawn VanBuren; Priscilla Frisbee; Florence Rivera; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Merrill & Erika Johnson; George Clowe; Kathy Schneider’s father in Barnwell; Paul Varga
• Those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment/economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with substance abuse, especially Greg L, Rachael, and Martin; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with the many temptations confronting young adults
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Derick Latorre and Heather Donahue, recently engaged; Gary and Sarah (Hubel) March, recently married; first-time parents, Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic, expecting a baby girl in early September, Nicole (Baby Arianna), and Ryan & Jennifer (Deane) Anderson (Baby Grace); new parents, Leré & Anina Visagie (Baby Luke), and Luke & Ryan (Hacker) Morris (Baby Jocelyn)
• Those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan
• Those who are traveling, especially Haley Hickman on a 3-week tour of Europe; and Stacey Baker traveling and studying in France until August 25
• Our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson, Mike Rivera
• Our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection
• Families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide - that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance;
• The power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Funeral for a Church
On Sunday March 13, 2011, the Leeds Reformed Church (1734) closed its doors for good. The Classis of Columbia-Greene celebrated with the few remaining members its highs and lows in ministry at a closing service on Tuesday, June 28. Indeed it was the funeral of a Church and a sad, sad experience! The decline of a church in spirit as well as attendance does not happen suddenly. It is a gradual process, influenced by several factors over a period of time. The signs of a dying church can be many and varied, but according to studies done by the guys at churchleaderinsights.com, they usually fall into one of the following categories discussed below.
ATTITUDE
The attitude about the priorities of the church can cause a church to die spiritually. Everyone need not agree on specifics, but if there is a consensus on the fundamental purpose of the church, attitudes will tend to remain upbeat. Dissenters, however, can become negative if they think their opinions are not valued. This negativity can start the decline.
ACRIMONY
Once attitudes take shape, cliques will form that will try to influence others into thinking their way or taking a stand on issues ranging from style of worship, music, and leadership positions, to staffing requirements. If members cannot listen to each other and respect everyone else's points of view, resentment builds and relationships become strained. This leads to confrontation and angry words.
AMBIVALENCE
When differing groups side against each other, ambivalence can take over. Members who are undecided on an issue, or those who may be considering joining the church, will become uneasy in the midst of turmoil. This tension-filled atmosphere among nervous congregants is another sign that a church is going in the wrong direction.
APATHY
Apathy hurts the growth of a church. When members are comfortable with the long-held customs of worship and don't want to be a part of positive changes, the church will stagnate spiritually and numerically. This attitude can be seen in churches that have little or no outreach to people of differing cultures, races, and values. For many people, their church is a place of solace and a haven for them and people like them.
ATTENDANCE
A decline in attendance results when the majority of people are uncomfortable worshipping in their church because of personality conflicts, policies and procedures, or exclusionary groups. When people stop coming, the lack of interest in ministry and missions affects the influence of the church in the community. The church may still exist with some members, but it is "dying" or even "dead" to people on the outside --the very ones it was supposed to help.
More than any of the signs just mentioned, I fear “Forgetting Why We Are a Church” the most! But if we remember again why we are congregated and called, negative Attitude, Acrimony, Ambivalence, Apathy and declining Attendance will be absent. For “Remembering Why We Are a Church” necessarily means that we must constantly revisit the throne and therefore the presence of the Holy God. This, in turn, means that we will get to know Him better and better, and that we will sound and behave more and more like a people, a body, a congregation that is giving not only ear, but also mind and heart to Matthew 22:37-40 - which is a good place to be when you are in the “church business”!
As you enjoy your summer, think about Him, talk to Him, love Him, and love and regard others and pray for them. To this we are called!
Have a happy July!
Pastor Rudy